Apple today announced the new iPod touch, packed with new features including Apple's stunning Retina display, FaceTime video calling, HD video recording, Apple's A4 chip, 3-axis gyro, iOS 4.1 and Game Center-all combined in the thinnest and lightest iPod touch ever. The new iPod touch features up to 40 hours of music playback and seven hours of video playback on a single battery charge.

"We've put our most advanced technology inside the new iPod touch," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Whether you're listening to music, playing games, making FaceTime video calls, browsing the web, capturing HD video or watching TV shows and movies, the new iPod touch with its Retina display, A4 chip and 3-axis gyro is more fun than ever."

The new iPod touch will be available next week for a suggested price of $229 (US) for the 8GB model, $299 (US) for the 32GB model and $399 (US) for the 64GB model through the Apple Store.

The camera was the feature I was hoping for and possibly the introduction of micro sim for data similar to the iPad.

The camera seems a let down compared to the iPhone and they seem to have glossed over what it can actually do. They mention the video but the apple Web site just says the camera is ok for a quick snap to upload to facebook which makes me think it's not going to be too clever.

I'm also surprised to see the Touch is no longer available in 16GB. it's 8GB, 32Gb or 64GB ? I manage perfectly well with a 16GB at present. 8Gb is too small and this one can do HD video as well

I'm completely confused by a lot of Apples decisions across the whole range of todays updates._________________Phil